I sanded down the body filler over the nav and formation lights. They are now ready to have the frames engraved into the body filler:

I also started working on the beaver tail area. The first thing up, was to shorten the antenna on the beaver tail as it was about twice as long as it needed to be. So that was done, and then i took a dremel sanding drum (which happens to be exactly 21/32 in diameter) and sanded the groove for the fuel dump pipe into the bottom side of the beaver tail.

this is great stuff. reminds me of that German (I believe) build of the Flanker. quality in equals quality out. I think you are deffinitely putting the quality in. can't wait to see a finished, flying model. it's gonna be awesome. I mean, who doesn't like a Grumman cat of any kind?

A little bit more progress, unfortunately the last until this time next week:

First off was finishing up the nav and formation lights. The frames were drawn in position with pencil:

Then using a rotary file with about a 1/16" tip. Then with the rotary file in a pin-vise and using a straight edge, the frames were scribed out:

Then using the same tools that i use to put screws and rivets into the litho-plate, they were heated with a torch then the screw detail melted into the body filler:

At this point, the wings are 99% complete and ready to mold. All thats left is to figure out what to do with the spoiler insets (probably monokote) then build the parting planes and start molding them.

Well, what you are seeing in the pictures and videos so far will never fly. The fuselage weighs nearly 100lbs as is, and has over 100 sheets of 3/32"x4"x48" balsa applied to it, not including alll the blocks, sticks and thicker sheets used on it. Overall, over $800 in wood has been used to build just these plugs.

Unfortunately, before leaving for work on monday, i noticed a problem with the shape of the fuselage where the exhaust nozzles mount. The shape large panels in this are are going to have to be removed, the fuselage reworked and then the panels remade and attached. It isnt really bad or noticeable to 90% of the people out there, but its bad enough for me to where i would never be happy if i dont fix it now. The good news, is it should only take a few days.

Well, what you are seeing in the pictures and videos so far will never fly. The fuselage weighs nearly 100lbs as is, and has over 100 sheets of 3/32"x4"x48" balsa applied to it, not including alll the blocks, sticks and thicker sheets used on it. Overall, over $800 in wood has been used to build just these plugs...

Hahaa.. I thought someone would like the Mig-23. I'm thinking it will be sized for around a 28-36lb thrust turbine / EDF unit... The plus side is, 95% of the engineering used in the F-14 can be used in the Mig-23. And if i size it correctly, Many of the swing wing parts can be used as well.